While there is no direct link between Europe’s extreme summer and our upcoming growing season, the prospect of a severe El Niño raises important questions about what lies ahead for local farmers.
In this episode of AgriView, Wandile Sihlobo explores how changing weather patterns, dwindling rainfall prospects and rising input costs could shape South Africa’s 2026/27 agricultural season.
Although strong grain stocks, healthy dam levels and favourable soil moisture should help cushion consumers in the short term, the outlook for 2027 is becoming increasingly uncertain.
Wandile discusses the potential implications for crop production, exports, employment and agricultural growth, while highlighting why producers need to start preparing now for a more challenging operating environment.
